Lucy Hale returns to the romantic fantasy space with "Vision Board," a film Concourse Media is pitching at the Cannes market next week. The "Pretty Little Liars" star will headline the project, which marks her third collaboration with director Peter Hutchings, who previously helmed "The Hating Game" and another untitled feature with her. Morgan Matson, known for her bestselling young adult novels like "Since You've Been Gone" and "The Infinite Moment of Us," penned the screenplay. Hutchings' track record with Hale suggests chemistry that studios value in romantic comedies and fantasy-adjacent fare. The Cannes market launch positions "Vision Board" for international distribution, a strategy studios employ when seeking foreign pre-sales and financing before principal photography. Hale has spent recent years oscillating between prestige television work and mid-budget theatrical releases. Her association with Concourse Media, an emerging production and sales company, indicates a bet on the romantic fantasy genre's continued appeal to audiences hungry for escapist fare with emotional stakes. The film taps into the zeitgeist of aspirational storytelling, where vision boards and manifestation culture have become cultural touchstones. Matson's adaptation expertise translates well to screen; her novels balance humor, heart, and the metaphysical in ways audiences find resonant. Hutchings' pedigree in romance—particularly the popular Sally Thorne adaptation—suggests he understands how to build chemistry and tension across fantasy premises.
WHY IT MATTERS: The project signals Hollywood's continued investment in romantic fantasy as a genre, while Hale's selective partnerships with proven directors strengthen her career trajectory in prestige rom-coms.